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→Pelvic Limb
====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Coxafemoral|Coxafemoral/Hip Joint]]====
====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Coxafemoral|Coxafemoral/Hip Joint]]====
The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to a dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its femoral head, intraarticular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. Unlike other species the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the '''accessory ligament'''.
The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to a dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its femoral head, intraarticular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. Unlike other species the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the '''accessory ligament'''.
===[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Stifle Joint|Stifle Joint]]===
The equine stifle has three patellar ligaments:
*'''Middle Patellar Ligament'''
The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the '''[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]''' apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the tibial tuberosity and one between the proximal part of the ligament and the patella apex. It is palpable just proximal to the tibial plateau.
*'''Lateral Patellar Ligament'''
The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the '''[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]''' and to the lateral aspect of the tibial tuberosity. This arrangement is crucial for the equine 'stay' apparatus and provides a '''locking ability'''.
*'''Medial Patellar Ligament'''
The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the tibial tuberosity.
Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the patella to be hooked over the trochlea of the femur due to the binding loop formed by the patella, middle and medial patellar ligaments. The '''femeropatellar joint''' capsule sometimes communicates with the '''lateral femerotibial''' cavity and usually with the '''medial'''. No communication exists between the femorotibial joints.